Ukraine’s trade deficit decreased sharply in February, but increased slightly over the first two months of the year, the State Customs Service said.

Official figures showed the deficit at $320 million in February – a 47.5 decline over the January figure – but over January and February, the figure rose by 5.9 % year-on-year to $600 million. Imports over that period climbed 4.5 % to $9.09 billion while exports rose 4.4 % to $8.49 billion.

Imports in February stood at $4.87 billion – a 6.6 % year-on-year rise, with exports at $4.55 billion, an increase of 14.9 %.

Interfax Ukraine news agency quoted Trade Representative Taras Kachka as saying that large jumps in exports occurred in February in confectionery and industrial goods. Ferrous metals also enjoyed a boost – put at 12 % — and goods produced from metals rose 22 %. Exports of sunflower oil underwent a rise of 12 %